In addition to competing in the Highland Games at the festival, the Gaylord man will be tuning up for the 2014 Masters World Championships at the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness, Scotland, on Sept. 12-14.

"This will be my first Masters World Championships and it is a very big deal for me. Not only because of the fact that I will competing with some of the best Highland Games athletes in the world, but also the fact that we are throwing in the Highlands of Scotland just about 1.5 hours from the traditional home of my clan," Holloway said in an email interview.

Holloway's skills will be on display during the 22nd annual festival from the Kalamazoo Scottish Association. It will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at Flesher Field near the corner of Stadium Drive and 9th Street in Oshtemo Township. The event is free and also features Scottish food, bagpipes, dancing, children's activities and more.

Holloway said he's spent months lifting weights, doing aerobic exercises and yoga in anticipation of the championships. Holloway, 48, became involved in Highland Games to further connect with his Scottish and Irish roots and to lose weight.

For observers, the caber toss event is the star event of the Highland Heavy Games. Competitors throw a tree ranging is length from 18.5 to 20 feet and weighing 80 to 160 pounds. It's one of Holloway's top events.

Holloway, who has competed in Kalamazoo since 2011, said Highland Games competitors share a unique bond.

"More than once I have given advice to someone and then had them turn around and beat me with my own advice and vice versa. People just want to see you do well and will help in any way possible," he said.

Holloway said he's looking forward to competing on the biggest stage in his sport.

"The Masters World Championships in Inverness is a big deal in Scotland. The games are being held there as part of the Homecoming Scotland festivities this year and also to commemorate the 150-year anniversary of the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness, the world's oldest Highland Games Stadium," he said.